Through drunken concerts, hikes in the jungle, and pounding countless city blocks…
It took me 3 years to break in my Adidas Stan Smiths and make them look loved (read: distressed).
Through typing in “SSENSE.com” into Safari, clicking on “Golden Goose,” taking out my Amex, and ordering…
It took 3 seconds to take my Golden Goose sneakers out of the box and make them look loved.
… but do I love them?
Golden Goose Superstar Sneaker REVIEW
Golden Goose Sneaker SIZING
My Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers are a size IT 39, fit me perfectly with a thin sock and run true to European/French size.
For comparison, here’s what I take in other American and French/European shoes…
Adidas Stan Smiths: US 8
By Far Boots: IT 39
Chanel Ballet Flats: FR 39
Isabel Marant Dickers: FR 39
Nike Sneakers: US 8.5
Repetto Flats: FR 39.5
Ugg Boots: US 8
Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers, Comfort, and You
Here’s the #1 thing that retailers don’t tell you: the Superstar sneakers have a hidden wedge.
The hidden wedge inside is ~1.25”. This is a good thing if you want an extra height boost or the support that a wedge can offer….
The wedge heel is comfortable to walk in. It’s also removable, so you can easily swap it out for a flat one from Dr. Scholl’s if you’d prefer.
The backs of these sneakers have a little cushion, which stops them from digging into the back of your ankle (for what it’s worth, the back of Stan Smiths dig into the back of my ankles).
Golden Goose Superstar Sneakers weigh 654 grams or 1.44 lbs vs. Adidas Stan Smiths weigh 649 grams or 1.43 lbs… basically, they’re super light for sneakers.
My Golden Goose’s Superstar sneakers didn’t require any break in time because they are all ready pre-distressed. They were perfectly comfortable walking in straight out of the box.
Wait, These Dirty Sneakers are $435?? What???
To be fair, you can ask that question about anything in the luxury world.
Chanel’s version of Stan Smiths are $850. Gucci’s version, the Ace, start at $580 and go up to $1250. Saint Laurent’s, the Court Classic, are $595.
Golden Goose’s sneakers are handmade in Italy.
Those scuffs? Also handmade…
Does that justify the price? Well, only you can decide that.
The only issue I have with how distressed these shoes are is that they tend to wear out a bit fast.
For instance, the sole is lightly scuffed near the heel. That makes them more comfortable to walk in, but it also encourages them to become more worn quicker.
How can I get Golden Goose Sneakers on Sale?
Like a recipe, read all of these steps before you make a move…
Golden Goose sneakers (especially the whacky embellished ones) sometimes go on sale.
If you can’t wait for sale season, or if you’re holding out for the simple white ones, here’s how you can always save money…
Let’s start by keeping these retailers that carry GGDB in mind:
Barneys extra email % off
MatchesFashion
MyTheresa
Neiman Marcus extra email % off
Shopbop extra email % off
SSENSE
Step 1: Sign Up To An Email List
Some of the above retailers have a “X% off your first purchase if you sign up to our newsletter” offer via a pop up window.
Sign up for their newsletter if its your first time and get that coupon code! (Otherwise, sign up via a different email address — that normally works…)
Step 2: Meet Jewel
Jewel is a luxury cash back service that’ll give you anywhere from 5%-15% back from your purchase depending on the retailer, plus a sign up bonus of $5.
Basically Jewel is Ebates for ~cool~ retailers.
I purchased my Golden Goose sneakers from SSENSE via Jewel. My order came to $435 (SSENSE doesn’t do an extra email % off). I should receive $43 back, which basically makes these sneakers 10% off and makes up for a lack of an extra email % off.
I ordered the sneakers on February 8th.
SSENSE has a 14 day return policy and Jewel pays out confirmed orders every 2 months starting February 10th.
This all means that I missed the February pay out date (due to the return policy), but I should get my $43 on April 10th.
PSA: My blogging pals Luxe & Sophie totally influenced me to start “Jeweling.” Getting cash back is as addictive as a hit of Juul nicotine. I’m hooked.
Alternatively…
Golden Goose sneakers get listed on The Real Real now and then.
The prices on the Real Real aren’t totally impressive, until you consider that you can get $25 off your first order with my referral code (totally shameless, but I’ll also get $25 off my next order, heh heh).
(This is an affiliate link, but I’ve shopped with the Real Real many times and would recommend them even if it wasn’t.)
How To Wear Golden Goose Sneakers
… as seen on my Instagram.
PROS & CONS
Pros
–Wedge Heel: Isabel Marant Bobby sneakers were my jam in 2013, but a totally not obvious wedge? Reallllllly into it. They elongate the leg without anyone being wiser.
–No-to-Small Break-in Period: Basically no blisters right off the bat.
–No Need to Worry About Scuffing up: … because they’re all ready destroyed! OK, but seriously, you don’t have to worry about mucking them up too much.
Cons
–Standard Small Socks Show: Yeah a little sock might show. You just need to get a smaller pair.
My Adidas Stan Smiths are loaded with memories; “oh that scuff is from when I fell off a chair dancing,” or “yeah I dinged the toe when I tripped on the sidewalk after I saw James Murphy crossing the street…”
Golden Goose Superstar sneakers come pre-distressed, but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna fill them with new memories.
If you’re looking for my exact pair, you can find them here for $435 USD.
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